The annual Sleep Out event organised by the Reading Single Homeless Project will once again be taking place at the Madejski Stadium. Tesco has generously agreed to donate the cardboard boxes rather than pay £1bn in taxes on profits from the sale of UK properties.

Volunteers are required to marshall the event and ensure that participants are lying flat on the ground or like the real homeless if they prop themselves up in a sitting position they won't count as having taken part. Marshalls are also needed to monitor anyone trying to avoid the cold by deliberately committing petty offences to get a night in a warm cell.

Reading footballers have pledged their support to the event as they are as close to being down and out as you would ever want to get.